The Steelers’ draft strategy largely depends on how the Aaron Rodgers saga shakes out. Due to the overly long and drawn-out decision-making process, there is some uncertainty about Rodgers’ future with the organization. Like the Minnesota Vikings, the Steelers could decide to pack up shop in the four-time MVP’s sweepstakes.
If they do, they will have a clean slate at the quarterback position. Since Ben Roethlisberger retired, the team has tried out multiple avenues. Whether it was Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph, or the Justin Fields-Russell Wilson duo last season, none of the choices have panned out.
However, one analyst believes the Steelers will start anew in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers Predicted To Start Over With Rookie QB
Last season, a 10-3 start fell by the wayside for the Steelers, and neither of their two quarterbacks inspired enough confidence for the team to want to bring them back. Instead, they remain embroiled in the Rodgers drama.
Fun fact: The former Super Bowl winner finished 21st on PFSN’s QB+ metric, four spots below Russell Wilson, and a hypothetical six spots behind Fields, if the latter had continued at his pace over the first six games of the season before being benched in favor of Wilson.
Simply put, Rodgers at this stage of his career isn’t going to be a huge upgrade over their last few seasons. But if the deal falls through, then the latest mock draft from PFSN has a potential solution for Pittsburgh in mind.
In this scenario, Ben Rolfe proposes that the Steelers trade picks No. 83 and 123, alongside a second- and third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, to acquire the 44th pick from the Dallas Cowboys and select Jalen Milroe out of Alabama.
“With no second-round pick, the Steelers would have to pay a high price to move up and select Milroe in this mock draft. However, if they sign Aaron Rodgers, they are unlikely to make this move.”
A potentially dangerous dual-threat quarterback, Milroe inspires extra confidence after the success Jalen Hurts (a former Alabama product, before he transferred to Oklahoma in his final year) had this season, leading the Philadelphia Eagles to their second Super Bowl in franchise history and even winning Super Bowl MVP.
Milroe, on the other hand, has gradually settled in as the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback. In his final season, he passed for 2,844 yards and 16 touchdowns, while adding 726 yards on the ground and an absurd 20 rushing touchdowns.
“Milroe may be the most physically gifted quarterback in this class, but there is enough concern that he is unlikely to be a first-round pick,” Rolfe said while pleading his case for Milroe. “The raw talent and potential are huge, which will intrigue teams, but the bust potential is equally big.”